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Brainstorming and Writing
The first step to writing an essay is to brainstorm. This step
involves quickly writing out ideas and thoughts without regard to any
organization. Get down ideas so you don’t forget anything. There
will be time later for editing; brainstorming just gets everything
out of your head and onto paper.
Start brainstorming by making a list of topics you are passionate about,
and events or experiences that have changed you in the past four years. Some
questions that may help you generate topics for your essays are provided
below:
How have you changed or been challenged in the past years?
What defines you as a student and person?
What do I care about?
What topic will emphasize my values and character?
What makes me special?
What are my strengths?
What are my weaknesses?
Why is_________more important to me than__________?
After brainstorming ideas for essay topics, ask yourself, “What
is the most important thing I want readers to learn from my essay?” “Does
my essay topic reveal my most compelling character traits?” Focus
your essay on these ideas to drive home a wonderful, well written story
and conclude by answering
the “Why?”
In addition, the superior essay is one that shares a unique and memorable
story to readers. The story should bring to life the essay topic
and reinforce the beliefs and values you want to communicate.
Write an outline of ideas and thoughts you want to convey in your essay. Having
an outline will help organize your thoughts and prepare you for the
actual writing.
Use original essays; don’t reuse old high school essays you are
trying to “force-fit” into a college essay. Tailor
each essay to the question or prompt in the application. Try to write
a story only you can write from your unique experiences and perspective.
Don’t write about a subject you really don’t care about but
think admission officers want to read. If you think a topic is
boring, so will the admissions officer reading your essay.
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